New Entry Food Hub provides market access to beginning farmers, market-based training, and produce aggregation and distribution services to a broad array of consumers.  We operate a Community Supported Agriculture program, food access programs for food insecure families and individuals, and donate produce to food banks and pantries, transitional living centers, and other social service agencies.  Learn more about our 2021 Food Hub operations, impact, and new partnerships!

New Entry Food Hub provides market access to beginning farmers, market-based training, and produce aggregation and distribution services to a broad array of consumers.  We operate a Community Supported Agriculture program, food access programs for food insecure families and individuals, and donate produce to food banks and pantries, transitional living centers, and other social service agencies.  Learn more about our 2020 Food Hub operations and impact - COVID-19 had an outsized impact on access to quality food and our farmers stepped up and met the need!

The What’s SNAP got to do with it? Expanding your Customer Base with Food Nutrition Programs and Technology fact sheet, is product of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

In this Fact Sheet (PDF) you can find information about the following topics: Food and nutrition programs, supporting new farmers to reach new customer bases, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program. 

For additional information please reach out: nesfp@tufts.edu

 The What’s SNAP got to do with it? Expanding your Customer Base with Food Nutrition Programs and Technology recording, is part of the Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business workshop series, hosted by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

In this webinar, instructors share knowledge/understanding of state/federal grant and loan programs. Topics covered in the workshop include: 

• Bring SNAP into farmers' bussiness model
• How to Become SNAP authorized at farm stands and farmers' markets
• Application process and accountability
• Information on subsidized SNAP processing equipment and the MA Healthy Incentive Program
• SNAP-CSA pilot
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons, certification, redemption and reimbursement

For additional information please reach us out at: nesfp@tufts.edu

The Lahey-New Entry Farmer’s Market Program continues in its 7th year, dedicated to providing free shares of fresh fruits and vegetables to older adults in Middlesex County. A collaboration between the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, the program distributed 255 shares throughout the farming season. Pre- and post-surveys of 2021 participants identified risk factors facing the older adult population and identified the most vulnerable members. Survey data indicated that barriers to food access prevalent among participants include lower income, living alone, consuming under the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, and having trouble accessing transportation. Food insecurity was directly measured within this population, indicating that 13% and 14% of participants within the pre- and post-survey respectively qualified as food insecure. The program met its goals this season as the majority of participants affirmed that they consumed more variety and quantity of fruits and vegetables. The FMP not only reduces barriers to food access but promotes social engagement through attendance in the market, as nearly half of participants indicated that participation in the FMP decreased their feelings of social isolation.

Committed to community-oriented health promotion, the FMP serves as an invaluable resource to local older adults by increasing access to nutritious produce, identifying and reaching those most vulnerable, and fostering
social connectedness within the greater community.

New Entry Food Hub provides market access to beginning farmers, market-based training, and produce aggregation and distribution services to a broad array of consumers.  We operate a Community Supported Agriculture program, food access programs for food insecure families and individuals, and donate produce to food banks and pantries, transitional living centers, and other social service agencies.  In 2022, we expanded our sales to local schools and institutions.  Learn more about our 2022 Food Hub operations, impact, and partnerships!